Drug Name

Myambutol (Ethambutol)

Drug Uses

Myambutol is used for treating tuberculosis (TB) infections of the lung along with other medicines. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Myambutol as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Take Myambutol with or without food at the same time each day.

Do not take antacids containing aluminum hydroxide for at least 4 hours after taking Myambutol .

Drug Class and Mechanism

Myambutol is an antibacterial agent. It works by stopping the growth of TB cells, which results in cell death.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Myambutol , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Myambutol if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Myambutol
• you have inflammation of the optic nerve (optic neuritis), you cannot determine if you are having vision changes, or you are unable to report vision changes to your doctor or health care provider

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Myambutol . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have gouty arthritis or are having a gout attack
• if you have cataracts, recurrent eye inflammation, or eye problems caused by diabetes (diabetic retinopathy)
• if you have kidney or liver problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Myambutol . However, no specific interactions with Myambutol are known at this time.

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Appetite loss; disorientation; dizziness; general body discomfort; headache; nausea; stomach upset or pain; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain or tightness; confusion; dark urine; easy bruising or bleeding; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; joint pain, swelling, or severe tenderness; lower back pain; numbness or tingling of the hands, legs, or feet; severe stomach pain; swollen glands in the neck or armpit; vision loss or other vision changes; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

If you have any questions about Myambutol , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Myambutol is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.